One hundred and thirteen years ago, Filipino revolutionary forces under General Emilio Aguinaldo proclaimed Philippine independence from the colonial rule of Spain in Kawit, Cavite. A lot has happened since including the Spanish-American War—the establishment of a Commonwealth government in 1935, the Japanese invasion, the declaration of the Philippine Republic, Martial Law, Edsa Revolution and the blatant corruption of the Arroyo family.
Every year, we celebrate Philippine Independence on the 12th of June, characterised by the traditional flag-raising ceremony and cultural presentations. People dust off their barong and Filipiniana dresses to display their pride and excitement. 113 years later, what are we really celebrating? Why is this date so important? Is it the joy of having another public holiday? Is it the recognition of the Filipino’s heroism? Is it the ability to organize an annual event that’s bigger and bolder? What are we trying to commemorate?
Independence Day isn’t just part of history. It is a continuous process and the accountability to promote further self-development, financial stability, improve local produce, freedom from hunger or fear. Every citizen has a responsibility to protect our country, our families, women and children from any abuse and/or threat.
In the Philippines, we have people selling their eyes for around $5,000 or their teeth for as little as 50 cents per tooth (to dental
students). We have people living or selling sex in the cemetery, boys as young as 14 joining a politician’s private army in exchange for food and shelter and mothers employed as “wet nurses” (breast-feeding another mother’s child) for around $80 per month. With the lack of financial resources, our country is in the top 5 of human trafficking. People are involved in illegally selling kids for adoption; youth to prostitution. I also heard a 54-year old man admit to selling oral pleasure for less than a dollar.
There are people still migrating from their provinces looking for hope in the City of Manila but end up being squatters under a bridge in cardboard walls. With false expectations seeking work and drenched in disappointment, they feel embarrassed to go back. Pride is all they have left. The Catholic Church, is adamant not to educate people on family planning—which is not really helping the situation. Struggling families breed 6 – 10 kids in poverty blaming only the government for the population explosion or imbalanced population distribution, lack of available land/housing, high crime rate and unemployment, and over-crowded classrooms. Everyone wants to have a white-collar job ignorant of true pride in other careers and creating balance in our society.
There is no shortage of politicians in the Philippines nor is there a shortage of projects, and that’s same here in Australia. We have so many “power” groups in Sydney alone, but in most cases, each group has his own political agenda, his own history to make. Yet what results have most of them yielded, aside from promoting their individual group and taking the most popular spot? Meanwhile who is taking responsibility to an independent living… to an independent Philippines where poverty, crime and corruption can be a thing of the past? Yes, we need great leaders. We need strong, tangible and progressive programs. We need realistic plans and budgets. We need reliable and trust-worthy public servants. But we also need everyone to be accountable and to keep working towards this freedom from hunger and poverty.
Sometimes, success starts with little steps. Heroism may come by luck but true leadership emanates from years of consistency and commitment to accountability. Don’t wait, educate. The time is now! To those who have dedicated their lives and continue to (work and aspire) for true independence – “We Salute You!”